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Europe midday: Stocks edge higher after surprise drop in inflation
European stocks were edging higher on Wednesday, though markets were rangebound as investors assessed how a surprise drop in inflation might affect the short-term outlook for interest rates.
US pre-open: Stocks seen lower ahead of Powell speech
US stock futures pointed to more losses on Wall Street on Wednesday amid growing doubts over rate cuts, as investors eyed a speech by Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell.
AB Dynamics acquires Michigan-based VTS
AB Dynamics announced the completed acquisition of Venshure Test Services (VTS) on Wednesday, marking a significant expansion of its testing capabilities, particularly in the United States.
IDS proposes axing some daily Royal Mail services
International Distributions Services proposed an end to daily Second Class deliveries by Royal Mail on Wednesday, in its submission to Ofcom on the future of the Universal Service, in a bid to save up to £300m per year.
Eurozone inflation unexpectedly eases, core rate drops to two-year low
Inflation in the eurozone unexpectedly slowed in March, with the core rate dropping to its lowest in more than two years, as price pressures in the single-currency region continue to ease.
Berenberg sees further upside at GSK despite recent rally
Shares in biopharma giant GSK were in the red on Wednesday, pulling back after a strong performance so far this year, but broker Berenberg still sees further upside, reiterating a 'buy' rating on the stock.
Calnex ends tougher year in line with market forecasts
Telecommunications and cloud computing test and measurement specialist Calnex Solutions said in an update on Wednesday that for the 2024 financial year, it anticipated results in line with market expectations, with revenues reaching £16. 3m and margins maintained.
Asia report: Markets follow Wall Street stocks into the red
Asia-Pacific stocks closed in negative territory across the board on Wednesday, mirroring the overnight losses observed on Wall Street.
De La Rue secures 5-year extension to Microsoft contract
De La Rue said on Wednesday that it has signed a five-year renewal of its contract with Microsoft for the supply of "innovative authentication solutions" to the company’s OEM, Retail and Xbox channels.
Peel Hunt flags full-year loss amid challenging market
Peel Hunt said in an update on Wednesday that it expected revenue for the financial year just ended to align closely with market projections, reaching about £85. 5m - a notable uptick of around 4% compared to £82. 3m in the 2023 period.
Supermarket Income REIT increases facility with SMBC
Supermarket Income REIT announced an increase in its unsecured facility with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) of £37. 5m on Wednesday, bringing the total to £104. 5m.
Siemens not planning to make offer for Renishaw
German engineering firm Siemens confirmed late on Tuesday that it does not intend to make an offer for London-listed Renishaw.
Barclays gives Segro a double upgrade
Barclays has upgraded its rating on industrial real estate group Segro by two notches from 'underweight' to 'overweight' as part of its review of the European warehouse sector.
Europe open: Stocks rangebound ahead of inflation data
European stock markets opened flat on Wednesday ahead of what's set to be another busy day for economic data, as investors continue to assess incoming indicators for indications on the future path of interest rates.
London open: Stocks fall on US rate cut doubts
London stocks fell in early trade on Wednesday following a weaker close on Wall Street, amid growing doubts over US interest rate cuts following solid economic data.
Wizz Air passenger numbers grow further in March
Low-cost airline Wizz Air said in an update on Wednesday that it transported 4,778,980 passengers in March, marking a 12% increase compared to the same period last year.
Topps Tiles H1 profitability hit by weaker market
Topps Tiles cautioned on Wednesday that first-half profitability would be hit by a number of factors including a weaker market, as it reported a fall in revenues.
Ryanair traffic jumps 8% in March, load factor steady
Low-cost airline Ryanair reported an 8% jump in March traffic on Wednesday.
Spire offloads Tunbridge Wells hospital for £10m
Healthcare group Spire has announced the recent sale of one of its leasehold hospitals in Tunbridge Wells for £10m, which it says was part of its "consistent and proactive approach to portfolio management".
China's Caixin services PMI ticks up as expected in March
Activity in China’s services sector grew as expected in March, according to figures released on Wednesday.